Travel Insurance for a Heart Attack

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to part of the heart is suddenly cut off, usually by a blood clot in a coronary artery that’s already narrowed. Without blood, that area of muscle starts to be damaged. It’s a medical emergency, and it’s closely tied to coronary heart disease and other heart conditions.

Most people are treated quickly in hospital, often with a stent to reopen the artery, followed by medication and a cardiac rehabilitation programme. The NHS heart attack page explains the symptoms, treatment and recovery.

Why do I need to declare a heart attack for travel insurance?

A heart attack counts as a pre-existing medical condition, and so does the coronary heart disease that usually lies behind it. We ask about it because the risk of further chest pain, an abnormal heart rhythm or a second attack is higher in the months after the first, and cardiac care abroad can be very expensive.

If you leave it off your policy and then need treatment for something linked to your heart while away, or have to cancel because of it, the claim could be refused or paid at a reduced amount.

You won’t need to declare every medical condition you’ve ever had or been diagnosed with, only those that fall into the initial set of medical questions.

Can I get travel insurance after a heart attack?

Yes, many people can find cover after a heart attack, including some who are still fairly early in their recovery. Whether it’s offered depends on your screening result. Things tend to look clearer once you’re home, your treatment has settled down and there are no further procedures lined up.

What we’ll ask about your heart attack

Declaring your heart attack online doesn’t take long. The screening asks about when it happened, the treatment you had and the medication you take now. After that, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Once you’ve finished the medical declaration, you’ll go through to the quote page. If your heart attack and your other conditions can be covered, you’ll see a list of quotes, and the premium shown includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we can’t provide cover, you’ll know before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Recovery doesn’t always go in a straight line. If you have more chest pain, your medication is changed, you go back into hospital, or you’re referred for another procedure between now and departure, you must let us know. We may have to review your cover and refer your medical details to the underwriters, and sometimes we may not be able to proceed with cover. If changes in your medical go unreported, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can heart attack travel insurance cover?

Once accepted on your policy, your heart condition can be covered for emergencies on holiday. If you get chest pain in Tenerife and are admitted to a cardiac unit, emergency medical treatment there can be covered, plus repatriation to the UK with medical support if needed. All subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your recovery means a doctor advises you not to travel, cancellation cover may help with non-refundable costs.

The policy won’t cover treatment you’ve planned abroad, or problems linked to conditions you haven’t declared.

Will a heart attack affect the cost of travel insurance?

It can. Having had a heart attack may raise the price, and your result from online medical screening is what sets the amount. The screening may ask how your heart is being treated now and how well things are controlled day to day. Your age, where you’re going and how long you’ll be away also play a part, as they would for anyone. You’ll see the price before you buy.

Single trip or annual cover after a heart attack

For a first holiday after your heart attack, single trip cover is often the natural choice. If you’re travelling regularly again, annual cover may be available depending on your screening result.

Travelling after a heart attack: practical tips

This is general guidance. It isn’t part of your insurance cover.

Talk to your cardiac rehab team or GP about timing. They know how your recovery is going and can say when a trip, and particularly a flight, is sensible for you. Airlines have their own rules after a heart attack too, so check those before you book.

Start gently. A shorter flight and a relaxed itinerary give you a chance to see how you cope away from home. Carrying heavy bags is best avoided early on, and many airports offer free assistance with walking and luggage if you request it in advance.

Keep all your medicines in your hand luggage, especially a GTN spray if you’ve been given one. Blood thinners after a stent are important not to miss, so pack spare doses and set phone alarms if you’re changing time zones. Our guide to travelling abroad with medication has more on carrying medicines.

Know the warning signs and what to do. Save the local emergency number, note the nearest hospital and carry a short summary of your heart attack and treatment. If you’ve had a stent fitted, our angioplasty page is worth a read as well.

Heat and dehydration can leave you feeling light-headed, particularly on beta blockers or blood pressure tablets. Drink regularly, rest in the hottest part of the day and keep alcohol moderate. If you’re unsure about activities like swimming in cold sea water or walking at altitude, ask your rehab team before you go.

How to get a quote

Tell us about your trip, declare your heart attack and any other conditions, and you’ll see the price before you buy.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Heart Pages

• Angina Travel Insurance
• Atrial Fibrillation Travel Insurance
• Cardiomyopathy Travel Insurance
• Heart Attack Travel Insurance
• Heart Conditions Travel Insurance
• Heart Failure Travel Insurance
• Heart Valve Disease Travel Insurance
• Pericarditis Travel Insurance
• Supraventricular Tachycardia Travel Insurance

Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.